Liverpool should stick with rarely-seen 4-4-2 system for tricky Bournemouth trip

Jurgen Klopp made a host of changes for Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley last night and deployed a new-look 4-4-2 formation. Many first-team regulars will expect to return for the trip to Bournemouth, but that same shape may get the best out of Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah.

Sunday’s Merseyside derby had a lingering impact on both sides’ midweek programmes; Everton put in a tired performance in their 1-1 home draw with Newcastle last night, while Jurgen Klopp rung the changes to prevent fatigue tripping his side up in the same way.

The German came up with a 4-4-2 formation with backup men Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge fielded as a front two, before bringing on the big guns such as Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah as the Reds went in pursuit of a comeback victory in the second half.

In the end, Liverpool got the result while largely offering a rest to some players they will need at the top of their game going into the busy festive period but Klopp will likely call on his top names again for the weekend visit to Bournemouth.

Salah and Firmino will both expect to play and in trying to find a system that would suit his fringe players at Turf Moor, he has happened upon the formula to bring the best out of both men moving forward.

(Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Firmino scored with his first touch last night but has struggled at times this season, while Salah hasn’t been at his best as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1.

But fielding both men as a genuine front two could bring the best out of the duo as a pairing, while also allowing Klopp to squeeze in Xherdan Shaqiri, who has been so impressive in recent weeks.